FRESH NEWS: The ice is (almost) gone, so let’s fish
The ice is disappearing from Potholes Reservoir, which means it’s time to get hooks in the water.
FILE PHOTO
MARDON — With the ice disappearing from the reservoir and the sunny days forecast for the week ahead, this is the signal we’ve been waiting for.
The current water level on Potholes Reservoir is 1,044.23 feet as of Thursday, rising 0.31 feet this past week. Water temperatures are right around 37 degrees on the main reservoir. The dunes do have ice in places. Our temperatures are forecast to be 55-59 degrees for the highs this week and that should take care of the ice in the dunes and Seep Lakes.
Walleye fishing has picked up the pace. Walleye are being caught jigging 1/2-ounce blade baits, jigging 3-inch minnow-style baits on a 3/8-ounce jig head in 28-40 feet, slow rolling a 3.80-inch swimbait on a 3/8-inch jig head and drop-shotting 3- to 4-inch plastics.
Largemouth bass have moved onto the face of the dunes and are being caught on black & blue jigs, paddle tail swimbaits, and Blade baits. Fish 2-15 feet of water.
Trout are being caught in front of the State Park and off Medicare Beach. Troll No. 5 or No. 7 Shad Raps of Flicker Shads. From shore cast Rooster Tails or 4-inch curl tail grubs or fish the bottom with Powerbait. Several year-round lakes are producing decent catches of trout.
No reports of panfish being caught yet.
As always for more info or help choosing tackle, stop into our fully stocked tackle shop. We also carry ammo, boating and hunting accessories and are open seven days a week all year or call the MarDon Resort Tackle store for current conditions and fishing information at 509-346-2651.